Every student in Maine deserves excellent teachers and school leaders, no matter their ZIP code. Achieving that goal demands more than good intentions or quick fixes; it requires rethinking how we manage and support the people who power our public schools.

School districts are complex, multimillion-dollar organizations charged with one of the most vital responsibilities in society: educating children. Yet the systems that should support this work — especially human resources — are often outdated, fragmented or undervalued. If we want schools to thrive, we must treat human resource management not as an administrative afterthought, but as a strategic driver of student success.

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) is a system-wide approach that links every aspect of the educator experience to one goal: student success. While SHRM isn’t a cure-all, it is a cornerstone of any high-functioning organization, public or private.

This approach isn’t a luxury for Maine — it’s a necessity. Districts across the state are working hard to meet rising student needs, address staffing shortages and deliver on the promise of equitable, high-quality education. To succeed, they need modern, connected systems that fully support the educators at the heart of that mission. Human resources must evolve from a compliance-focused function into a strategic force that aligns with instructional goals and drives continuous improvement.

When systems fall short, even the most dedicated educators face unnecessary challenges. Missed opportunities in recruitment, onboarding and development can leave schools scrambling and staff unsupported. Early-career teachers, in particular, thrive in environments where they’re coached, valued and set up for success. By reimagining HR, districts can create the conditions where talented educators grow and stay.

Investing in human capital is not just good management, it’s a powerful lever for better student outcomes. Education experts agree: strategic HR is essential to school success.

Research backs this up — organizations that invest in their people are more innovative, resilient and effective. We already know what effective HR systems look like in education: thoughtful workforce planning and hiring, quality mentoring, meaningful evaluations and professional learning, fair and sensible pay and a positive workplace culture. These elements, when working in harmony, help attract, grow and retain talent.

Take recruitment. It’s more than filling vacancies — it’s about anticipating needs, building pipelines through preparation partnerships and hiring candidates who align with district values. From there, educators need high-quality onboarding and sustained mentorship — throughout their careers.

Performance evaluation should be a powerful tool for growth, helping educators refine their practice through timely feedback, coaching and support. Compensation and career advancement should reward impact and meaningful contributions to student success — not just years of service and academic credentials. And just as critically, schools must create environments where educators feel respected, heard and supported. When educators thrive, students do too.

Real progress requires more than good intentions; it demands skilled, strategic HR leadership. Just as districts rely on experts in finance and technology, they need professionals who can build talent systems aligned with instructional goals. Even the best HR people and systems require effective governance to succeed.

School boards play a vital human resources role by setting vision, shaping policy and supporting leadership. When well-trained and clear on their role, boards create the stability and trust needed for strong, aligned school leadership and a motivated educator workforce. Building board capacity and fostering civil, student-centered dialogue are essential to helping both educators — and students — succeed.

Maine’s future depends on the people who power our schools. By investing in talent, leadership and student-focused governance, we can build the strong, equitable schools every student deserves.